Arizona scenic drive: Bitter Springs to Page

Red cliffs, dramatic canyons off U.S. 89

Apr. 2, 2012 02:17 PMThe Arizona Republic

Looking at the cliffs and chasms along U.S. 89 between Bitter Springs and Page is like staring inside the Earth. The topography is raw and in shades of vibrant red, and the terrain ranges from impenetrable rock to crumbling walls to sandy bottoms. Just use care while taking it all in. The road is twisty and there are plummeting drop-offs. Three things to see along the way:

Marble Canyon overlook: This vista doesn't have a sign or hiking trail, but you'll know you're there when you see a large pull-off a few miles north of Bitter Springs as U.S. 89 climbs the Echo Cliffs. The view of Marble Canyon, through which the Colorado River flows, and the vast House Rock Valley is impressive, especially at sunset, when the Vermilion Cliffs are a riot of colors. You can track the river gorge as it snakes southwest, but you can't see the water.

Horseshoe Bend: Amazing vistas abound in the Vermilion Cliffs, and this is one of the best. An easy, 3-mile round-trip hike leads to an overlook that provides jaw-dropping views of the Colorado River. From the parking area, 2 miles south of Page and just south of mile marker 545, a wide trail leads up a low, sandy hill. At the crest, look for the jagged profile of the Echo Peaks to the west, near the confluence of the Paria River and the Colorado. The dark line of the Vermilion Cliffs lies farther west; Navajo Mountain looms to the east. (Bring water; the trail is shadeless and can be hot.)

Details: www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/upload/Horseshoe%20Bend2.pdf.

Lake Powell: It's the second-largest man-made lake in America (after Lake Mead) and one of the most beautiful in the world. Rimmed by sandstone canyons, the lake is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Activities include boating, camping, hiking and mountain biking. Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas manages three marinas, two of which rent watercraft, from kayaks to houseboats, by the hour or longer.

Getting there: Page is about 280 miles north of central Phoenix. Take Interstate 17 to Flagstaff, Interstate 40 east through the city, then U.S. 89 north through Bitter Springs, on the Navajo Reservation. Page is about 20 miles north of Bitter Springs.

Don't miss: The John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum, at the intersection of Lake Powell Boulevard and Navajo Drive in Page, has memorabilia, photos and drawings of Powell's epic exploration of the Colorado River in 1869 and 1871, as well as Native American and pioneer artifacts. You also can learn about the Glen Canyon Dam and the geology of the Grand Canyon. The museum also has a visitors center, where you can get area information and make reservations for tours, scenic flights and Lake Powell outings. 928-645-9496, www.powellmuseum.org.